The Report
When we were contacted by Howard about his lovely property in the Yucatán we were thrilled, not only by his stunning venue but also because of his excited nature and gracious demeanor throughout our correspondence. We quickly learned about his glittering getaway and venue space, Hacienda Sac Chich. Maracas and Mariachi bands here we come!
Tucked away on the lush grounds of Hacienda Sac Chich lies Casa de Maquinas, comprised of 3 limestone buildings, a water tower and a stately, 85ft chimney. Surrounded on all sides by the exotic greenery of local Mayan Palms belies the antiquity of the building's history dating back to 1850. Sprinkled throughout the Hacienda there is evidence of the property's utilitarian past. Within Casa Nueva lie iron wheels and massive, exposed beams juxtaposed with the sunken modernity of the master suite's settee and refreshing plunge pool. Moving through more of the venue brings one to the open-air living room and dining room called the Loggia, surrounded by reflective lily ponds. With closed eyes one can imagine the spectacular revelry good wine and music would bring and overtake the senses, one at a time. Climb the dramatic spiral staircase to the rooftop lounge and star-gazing platform. As the sun slips past the horizon and the night becomes tender in it's soft embrace nothing in the world could possibly seem as important as drinking in that view.
Continuing our exploration through a seashell mosaic tunnel (worth the visit just to say you walked through a seashell mosaic tunnel) one arrives at the 40-foot pool, a shimmering refuge from the glorious Yucatan heat. A steel and bamboo pergola and playita of shallow water lie beneath a sweetly suspended hammock begging for an afternoon siesta. Beyond the pool lies a bocce court for impromptu competitions and much-needed leg stretching in the cool of the evening sky.
Casa Sisal is the third building in the Hacienda Sac Chich, Casa de Maquinas trifecta. Want a little more privacy from the rest of your guests? It's surrounded by more lily ponds as well as 2 acres of henequen drying fields and enclosed by 10-foot walls creating its own private, delicious world. Walk out of the living area and you'll find a 3-sided Infinity pool (yes, another one!), palapa and patio. High entryways and ceilings add to the grand feeling of open space and heighten the drama. As special and relaxing as the property is at night, 175 outdoor architectural lights coupled with the star-gazing platform make this property truly sing at night.
HOW WILL MY GUESTS GET HERE?:Sac Chich is usually reached in two ways:1. Direct to Merida from Houston, Atlanta, Miami or Mexico City 2. To Cancun direct from many cities, then car rental to Merida (approximately 3 hours driving time)
The Scoop
Framing the entire hacienda are dry stacked stonewalls, tall hedges of fica and walls creatively designed with metal cages filled with local limestone. The grounds are filled with exotic rare palms, bamboos, gingers, tropical plants and fruit trees. The house restoration has been a project of the renowned Mexican architect Salvador Reyes Rios and his partner and wife Josefina Larrain. Most of the furniture throughout is designed by Salvador and fabricated locally.
There has been no expense spared nor a celebration not considered. Intimate weddings or larger celebrations of up to 150 guests, group getaways, friend and family reunions, spectacular dinner or birthday parties, it is surely a setting for the most luxe of nomads. Towering over the vast property is dramatic 85ft Cemex Award winning chimney, overseeing the property like a wise, old statesman. But it is when standing atop the star-gazing platform taking in the sweeping views of the Hacienda's extensive gardens, two swimming pools, award-winning architecture and watercolor sunsets one realizes moments like these are all too rare and far between. Moments so pregnant with the surrounding beauty that time seems to stand still.
There are 6 separate areas that can provide unique venue environments. Casa Sisal's pool deck and open indoor area would provide the perfect setting for an intimate gathering or rehearsal dinner. While the drying fields with its large enclosed yard and multiple king palms, dramatic night lighting and enough room for multiple tents and platforms would be the ultimate wedding venue. The Hacienda Loggia, rooftop lounge & star-gazing deck would be perfect for sit-down dinners for your nearest and dearest while the Bocce court would be the setting for sporting contests and afternoon cocktail hour.
PILLOW TALK + BOOZE HOUNDS: There are no alcohol restrictions or requirements by the property - booze is most welcome here! Most if not all of the local catering companies will quote this service and guests should go through them to secure it. After the party? Yes, you can rest your head here because the Hacienda sleeps 13 and Casa Sisal sleeps 6!
Bonus
The Yucatán is a lesser known region of Mexico that offers many unique experiences to the inquisitive traveler. Located in the center of numerous Mayan ruins, the better known sites being Chichen Itza and Uxmal. There are many smaller (and not crowded) sites nearby where many times you will find you have the site to yourself. The underground cenotes (caves with underground pools of cerulean blue refreshing water) are a unique experience of the area.
There are many restored haciendas and others in ruin to explore, some have been converted into boutique hotels that offer excellent dining experiences. The capital city of Merida is a Spanish Colonial city with many historical buildings, museums and neighborhoods to lose and find oneself in. There are also wildlife areas in the Gulf of Mexico where bubble-gum pink flamingos roam!
STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING
We are quite enamored with the Historical-Hacienda-meets-Modern vibe of the venue. We are inspired by the stark white palette of the contemporary Casa Sisal that sits upon the property and the sprawling manicured lawn that connects the buildings. An event here would be glorious with a mostly neutral palette to infuse the modern elements of the property but layered with pops of color to incorporate the Mexican heritage and culture of the Yucatán.
1. Traditional Embroidery. The “terno” is the traditional women’s gala dressof Mexico. These hand-embroidered dresses are typically worn at weddings and special celebratory occasions. Whether you are a guest of a dinner party or use these for your flower girls, they would be a spectacular nod to the heritage of Mexico. This dress is perfect to walk barefoot on the beach or dressed up with heels! 2. Tequila! Serve your guests mini tacos paired with petite bottles of tequila at cocktail hour. A contemporary twist on a Mexican classic. Ole! Via
Belle the Magazine. 3. Mexican Pottery. Layer tables with traditional pottery from Mexico. The classic terracotta colors will bring the fiesta feel to your soiree at the Hacienda. Photo by Jose Villa // Design Lisa Vorce// Via Style Me Pretty.
Inside Scoop
Sunset up on the hacienda roof is a magical time for cocktails and camaraderie while flocks of birds settle in for the evening. Star gazing from many areas provides a breathtaking night sky. Night lighting in all the common and private areas provide wonderful intimate areas to gather and relax while listening to music. Depending on the season the great lawn inside the drying field comes alive with hundreds of thousands of fireflies glittering in the grass. The fireflies light up the entire wall to wall area that is the size of 1-1/2 football fields. As one walks through the yard an 8ft circle goes dark around you and follows you as you promenade through the drying field. To say this is an unforgettable experience is an understatement. Many guests have stated that as nice as the property shows in the photos, in person the historical architecture combined with the light and sounds of the Yucatan make hosting an event at Hacienda Sac Chich a memorable event.Highlight Reel
- During certain seasons the lawn comes alive with hundreds of glittering fireflies
- The history of the hacienda and original details have been maintained to perfection
- The fusion of the modern Casa Sisal along with the historical backdrop of the hacienda delivers the best of both worlds
- The giant manicured lawn that stretches between all of the buildings gives the perfect venue space for gatherings
- The entire property is enclosed by a stunning wall that ensures maximum privacy
- You can stargaze from the rooftop
- Howard, the property owner could not be more gracious and pleasant to work with
- After the party you can rest your head in the Hacienda OR Casa Sisal - The two properties sleep 19 guests.
- There are no noise or alcohol restrictions
Around Town
Acanceh, the closest town to Sac Chich, is an ancient Maya archaeological site. Purchase locally-grown fresh produce at the daily market and visit ancient Mayan ruins that are in the oldest continually inhabited Mayan site in the Yucatan.The modern town of Acanceh, where the ruins are located, is 21 kilometers from Mérida, the capital of Yucatán.
Several cenote caves and smaller Mayan sites are within a half hour ride from the hacienda. Cenotes are natural pits or sinkholes that are created from the surrounding limestone bedrock collapsing, thus exposing crystal blue water underneath. Many of these are found in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Photo and info via yucatantoday.com
If you make it to the town of Mérida, continue traveling East to the colonial town of Izamal. This is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns), a designation given by the Mexican secretary of Tourism to towns that hold significant historical significance. The buildings throughout Izamal are washed in golden-yellow paint and the town has been nicknamed La Ciudad Armarillo (The Yellow City). Info & Photo via visitmexico.com
VENUE:Hacienda Sac Chich
